Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a first display area including first pixels, driving electrodes, and sensing electrodes. A second display area includes second pixels, sub-driving electrodes, and sub-sensing electrodes. Auxiliary electrodes are between the first and second display areas. A number of first pixels per unit area of the first display area is greater than a number of second pixels per unit area of the second display area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/466,470 filed on Sep. 3, 2021, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C.§ 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0003666, filed on Jan.12, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

1. TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present inventive concepts relate to a displaydevice.

2. DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

The demand for display devices for displaying images has diversifiedwith the development of the information society. For example, displaydevices have been applied to various electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, notebook computers, navigation systems, andsmart televisions (TVs).

A display device may include an input interface, such as a touch sensingunit for sensing a touch from a user. The touch sensing unit includes aplurality of touch electrodes that are driven in a capacitive manner,and can thus detect the touch from the user.

The display device may further include various optical devices at thefront of the display device, such as an image sensor for capturing animage, a proximity sensor for detecting whether the user is in proximityto the display device, and an illumination sensor for detecting theintensity of illumination of the display device.

Since display devices have been applied to various types of electronicdevices, display devices with various design features have beenimplemented. For example, display devices having holes removed fromtheir front and thereby having a widened display area have beendeveloped. When the holes at the front of a display device are removed,optical devices may be disposed to overlap with a display panel.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present inventive concepts provide a display devicecapable of increasing touch sensitivity in a region where opticalsensors are disposed.

According to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts, a displaydevice includes a first display area including first pixels, drivingelectrodes, and sensing electrodes. A second display area includessecond pixels, sub-driving electrodes, and sub-sensing electrodes.Auxiliary electrodes are between the first and second display areas. Anumber of first pixels per unit area of the first display area isgreater than a number of second pixels per unit area of the seconddisplay area.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary electrodes may include a first auxiliaryelectrode, which is between one of the driving electrodes and one of thesub-driving electrodes, and a second auxiliary electrode, which isbetween one of the sensing electrodes and one of the sub-sensingelectrodes.

In an embodiment, the driving electrodes, the first auxiliary electrode,and the sub-driving electrodes may be electrically connected, and thesensing electrodes, the second auxiliary electrode, and the sub-sensingelectrodes may be electrically connected.

In an embodiment, a maximum width of the first auxiliary electrode maybe greater than maximum widths of the driving electrodes and thesub-driving electrodes.

In an embodiment, a maximum width of the second auxiliary electrode maybe greater than maximum widths of the sensing electrodes and thesub-sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary electrodes may further include a thirdauxiliary electrode, which is spaced apart from the first and secondauxiliary electrodes and may be between another one of the drivingelectrodes and another one of the sub-driving electrodes, and a fourthauxiliary electrode, which is spaced apart from the first, second, andthird auxiliary electrodes and may be between another one of the sensingelectrodes and another one of the sub-sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the display device may further comprise connectionelectrodes between, and electrically connected to, the sub-drivingelectrodes. The connection electrodes may overlap with the sub-sensingelectrodes.

In an embodiment, the sub-driving electrodes and the connectionelectrodes may be disposed in the same layer.

In an embodiment, the connection electrodes may be disposed in adifferent layer from the sub-driving electrodes.

In an embodiment, the first auxiliary electrode may be spaced apart fromthe driving electrodes and the sub-driving electrodes, and the secondauxiliary electrode may be spaced apart from the sensing electrodes andthe sub-sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the first and second auxiliary electrodes may bedisposed in a different layer from the driving electrodes, thesub-driving electrodes, the sensing electrodes, and the sub-sensingelectrodes.

In an embodiment, the first and second auxiliary electrodes may bedisposed in the same layer as the driving electrodes, the sub-drivingelectrodes, the sensing electrodes, and the sub-sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the display device may further comprise auxiliarytouch electrodes between the first auxiliary electrode and the drivingelectrodes.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary touch electrodes may include auxiliarydriving electrodes and auxiliary sensing electrodes, and

In an embodiment, the auxiliary driving electrodes and the auxiliarysensing electrodes may be spaced apart from the first auxiliaryelectrode and the driving electrodes.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary driving electrodes may completelyoverlap with the auxiliary sensing electrodes.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary touch electrodes may include auxiliarydriving electrodes and auxiliary sensing electrodes. The auxiliarydriving electrodes may extend in one direction. The auxiliary sensingelectrodes may extend in another direction to intersect the u, auxiliarydriving electrodes.

In an embodiment, the display device may further comprise an opticaldevice overlapping with the second display area.

In an embodiment, the display device may further comprise a polarizingfilm overlapping with the first display area, but not with the auxiliaryelectrodes.

According to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts, a displaydevice includes a first display area including first pixels, drivingelectrodes, and sensing electrodes. A second display area includessecond pixels, sub-driving electrodes, and sub-sensing electrodes. Apolarizing plate overlaps with the first display area. Auxiliaryelectrodes are between the first and second display areas. The auxiliaryelectrodes do not overlap with the polarizing plate.

In an embodiment, the display device may further comprise an opticaldevice overlapping with the second display area.

In an embodiment, the number of first pixels per unit area of the firstdisplay area may be greater than the number of second pixels per unitarea of the second display area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the present inventive concepts willbecome more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device of FIG. 1according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a display panel of FIG. 1 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 5 is a layout view of a touch sensing unit according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 6 is a layout view of touch nodes of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 6according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 8 is a layout view of an area A of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 9 is a layout view of an area A-1 of FIG. 8 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 11A is a layout view of an area A-2 of FIG. 8 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 11B is a layout view of an area B-1 of FIG. 11A according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 11Baccording to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 13A is a layout view of the area A-2 of FIG. 8 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 13B is a layout view of an area B-2 of FIG. 13A according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 13Baccording to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 15 is a layout view of the area A of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 16 is a layout view of an area A-3 of FIG. 15 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F′ of FIG. 16according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 16according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 16according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 20 is a layout view of an area A-4 of FIG. 15 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H′ of FIG. 17according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line H-H′ of FIG. 17according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 23 is a layout view of the area A of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 24 is a layout view of an area A-5 of FIG. 23 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 24according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 26 is a layout view of the area A-5 of FIG. 20 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line J-J′ of FIG. 26according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 28 is a layout view of the area A of FIG. 5 according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 29 is a layout view illustrating first and second sub-display areasof FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K′ of FIG. 29according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;

FIG. 31 is a layout view illustrating the first and second sub-displayareas of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present inventiveconcepts; and

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line L-L′ of FIG. 31according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present inventive concepts will be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Likereference numerals may refer to like elements throughout thespecification and the accompanying drawings.

Herein, when two or more elements or values are described as beingsubstantially the same as or about equal to each other, it is to beunderstood that the elements or values are identical to each other, theelements or values are equal to each other within a measurement error,or if measurably unequal, are close enough in value to be functionallyequal to each other as would be understood by a person having ordinaryskill in the art. For example, the term “about” as used herein isinclusive of the stated value and means within an acceptable range ofdeviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinaryskill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the errorassociated with measurement of the particular quantity (e.g., thelimitations of the measurement system). For example, “about” may meanwithin one or more standard deviations as understood by one of theordinary skill in the art. Further, it is to be understood that whileparameters may be described herein as having “about” a certain value,according to exemplary embodiments, the parameter may be exactly thecertain value or approximately the certain value within a measurementerror as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in theart. Other uses of these terms and similar terms to describe therelationship between components should be interpreted in a like fashion.

It will be understood that when a component, such as a film, a region, alayer, or an element, is referred to as being “on”, “connected to”,“coupled to”, or “adjacent to” another component, it can be directly on,connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other component, or interveningcomponents may be present. When a component, such as a film, a region, alayer, or an element, is referred to as being “directly on”, “directlyconnected to”, “directly coupled to”, or “directly adjacent to” anothercomponent, no intervening components may be present. It will also beunderstood that when a component is referred to as being “between” twocomponents, it can be the only component between the two components, orone or more intervening components may also be present. It will also beunderstood that when a component is referred to as “covering” anothercomponent, it can be the only component covering the other component, orone or more intervening components may also be covering the othercomponent. Other words use to describe the relationship between elementsmay be interpreted in a like fashion.

It will be further understood that descriptions of features or aspectswithin each embodiment are available for other similar features oraspects in other embodiments, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Accordingly, all features and structures described herein maybe mixed and matched in any desirable manner.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”,etc., may be used herein for ease of description to describe one elementor feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) asillustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over,elements described as “below” other elements or features would then beoriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below”may encompass both an orientation of above and below.

When a feature is said to extend, protrude, or otherwise follow acertain direction, it will be understood that the feature may followsaid direction in the negative, such as the opposite direction.Accordingly, the feature is not limited to follow exactly one direction,and may follow along an axis formed by the direction, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts. FIG. 2 is an explodedperspective view of the display device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a plan viewof a display panel of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 , a display device 10 may be applied to aportable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, atablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, anelectronic notepad, an electronic book, a portable multimedia player(PMP), a navigation device, or an ultramobile PC (UMPC). The displaydevice 10 may also be applied to a television (TV), a notebook computer,a monitor, a billboard, or an Internet-of-Things (IoT) device as adisplay unit. The display device 10 may also be applied to a wearabledevice such as a smartwatch, a watchphone, a glasses-type display, or ahead-mounted display (HMD). Also, the display device 10 may also beapplied to the dashboard of a vehicle, the center fascia of a vehicle, acenter information display (CID) in the dashboard of a vehicle, a roommirror display that can replace the rear-view mirror of a vehicle, or anentertainment display at the back of a front seat of a vehicle. However,embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited theretoand the display device 10 may be applied to various other small, mediumor large sized electronic devices

A first direction parallel to the X-axis (hereinafter, the “Xdirection”) may refer to the direction of the relatively short sides ofthe display device 10, for example, the horizontal direction of thedisplay device 10. A second direction parallel to the Y axis(hereinafter, the “Y direction”) may refer to the direction of therelatively long sides of the display device 10, for example, thevertical direction of the display device 10. A third direction parallelto the Z-axis (hereinafter, the “Z direction”) may refer to thethickness direction of the display device 10.

In an embodiment, the display device 10 may have a rectangle-like shapein a plan view. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the displaydevice 10 may have a rectangle-like shape having relatively short sidesin the X direction and relatively long sides in the Y direction in aplan view. In an embodiment, the corners where the relatively shortsides and the relatively long sides of the display device 10 meet may berounded to have a predetermined curvature or may be right-angled.However, the planar shape of the display device 10 is not particularlylimited, and the display device 10 may be formed in various other shapessuch as a nontetragonal polygonal shape, a circular shape, or anelliptical shape in a plan view.

The display device 10 may be formed to be flat. Alternatively, one ormore pairs of opposing sides of the display device 10 may be curved. Inone example, the left and right sides of the display device 10 may becurved. In an example, the upper, lower, left, and right sides of thedisplay device 10 may all be curved. However, embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The display device 10 may include a cover window 100, a display panel300, a display circuit board 310, a display driving circuit 320, abracket 600, a main circuit board 700, optical devices (740, 750, 760,and 770), and a lower cover 900.

The cover window 100 may be disposed above the display panel 300 (e.g.,in the Z direction) to cover the front surface of the display panel 300.Accordingly, the cover window 100 may protect the front surface of thedisplay panel 300.

In an embodiment, the cover window 100 may include a light-transmittingarea DA100, which corresponds to the display panel 300, and alight-blocking area NDA100, which corresponds to the rest of the displaydevice 10. The light-blocking area NDA100 may be formed to be opaque. Inan embodiment, the light-blocking area NDA100 may be formed as adecorative layer formed of patterns that are visible to a user when noimage is displayed.

The display panel 300 may be disposed below the cover window 100 (e.g.,in the Z direction). In an embodiment, the display panel 300 may be alight-emitting display panel including light-emitting elements. In oneexample, the display panel 300 may be an organic light-emitting displaypanel using organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that include organic 1l light-emitting layers, a micro-light-emitting diode (mLED) displaypanel using mLEDs, a quantum-dot light-emitting display panel usingquantum-dot light-emitting diodes, or an inorganic light-emittingdisplay panel using inorganic light-emitting elements that include aninorganic semiconductor. The display panel 300 will hereinafter bedescribed as being an organic light-emitting display panel forconvenience of explanation and not limitation.

The display panel 300 may include a display area DA, and the displayarea DA may include a main display area MDA and a sub-display area SDA.In an embodiment, the size of the main display area MDA may occupy themajority of the display area DA. The sub-display area SDA may bedisposed on one side of the main display area MDA, for example, on theupper side of the main display area MDA (e.g., in the Y direction), asillustrated in FIG. 2 . However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto and the arrangement of the sub-displayarea SDA may vary. The main display area MDA may be a first displayarea, and the sub-display area SDA may be a second display area. Asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , the display panel 300 may furtherinclude a non-display area NDA. In an embodiment, the non-display areaNDA may fully surround the display area DA (e.g., in the X and Ydirections). However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts arenot limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the main display area MDA may not include alight-transmitting area capable of transmitting light therethrough, butmay include only a pixel area having pixels for displaying an image. Inan embodiment, the sub-display area SDA may include both alight-transmitting area capable of transmitting light therethrough and apixel area having pixels for displaying an image. Thus, the sub-displayarea SDA may have a higher light transmittance than the main displayarea MDA.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 , the sub-display area SDAmay include a plurality of sub-display areas, such as first to fourthsub-display areas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4. The first to fourthsub-display areas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 may be disposed to bespaced apart from one another. Each of the first to fourth sub-displayareas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 may be surrounded by the main displayarea MDA.

In an embodiment, a first sub-display area SDA1 may overlap with theproximity sensor 740 in the Z direction. Thus, even though the proximitysensor 740 is disposed to overlap with the display panel 300, theproximity sensor 740 can detect light incident thereupon from the frontsurface of the display device 10 through the first sub-display areaSDA1.

In an embodiment, a second sub-display area SDA2 may overlap with theillumination sensor 750 in the Z direction. Thus, even though theillumination sensor 750 is disposed to overlap with the display panel300, the illumination sensor 750 can detect light incident thereuponfrom the front surface of the display device 10 through the secondsub-display area SDA2.

In an embodiment, a third sub-display area SDA3 may overlap with theiris sensor 760 in the Z direction. Thus, even though the iris sensor760 is disposed to overlap with the display panel 300, the iris sensor760 can detect light incident thereupon from the front surface of thedisplay device 10 through the third sub-display area SDA3.

In an embodiment, a fourth sub-display area SDA4 may overlap with thesecond camera sensor 770 in the Z direction. Thus, even though thesecond camera sensor 770 is disposed to overlap with the display panel300, the second camera sensor 770 can detect light incident thereuponfrom the front surface of the display device 10 through the fourthsub-display area SDA4.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the sub-display area SDA includes foursub-display areas, such as the first, second, third, and fourthsub-display areas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4. However, embodiments ofthe present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, inan embodiment, the number of sub-display areas may be dependent on thenumber of optical devices. For example, the sub-display areas may bedisposed to correspond one-to-one to the optical devices.

Also, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that each of the firstto fourth sub-display areas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 has a circularshape. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto. For example, each of the first to fourth sub-displayareas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 may have a polygonal or ellipticalshape.

Also, the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the first tofourth sub-display areas SDA1, SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 have the same size.However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. For example, the first to fourth sub-display areas SDA1, SDA2,SDA3, and SDA4 may have different sizes.

The display circuit board 310 and the display driving circuit 320 may beattached to one side of the display panel 300, such as the lower side inthe Y direction. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the display circuit board 310may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that is bendable, a rigidprinted circuit board (PCB) that is too rigid to be bendable, or ahybrid PCB that has the characteristics of both a rigid PCB and an FPCB.

The display driving circuit 320 may receive control signals and powersupply voltages via the display circuit board 310 and may generate andoutput signals and voltages for driving the display panel 300. In anembodiment, the display driving circuit 320 may be formed as anintegrated circuit (IC) and may be attached on the display panel 300 ina chip-on-glass (COG), chip-on-plastic (COP), or ultrasonic manner.However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. For example, in an embodiment, the display driving circuit 320may be attached on the display circuit board 310.

A touch driving circuit 330 may be disposed on the display circuit board310. In an embodiment, the touch driving circuit 330 may be formed as anIC and may be attached on the top surface of the display circuit board310. The touch driving circuit 330 may be electrically connected to thetouch electrodes of the touch sensor layer of the display panel 300 viathe display circuit board 310. The touch driving circuit 330 may outputtouch driving signals to the touch electrodes and may detect voltagesthat the capacitors of the touch electrodes are charged with.

The touch driving circuit 330 may generate touch data based onvariations in electrical signals detected by the touch electrodes, maytransmit the touch data to the main processor 710, and the mainprocessor 710 may calculate the coordinates of a touch by analyzing thetouch data. In an embodiment, a touch may includes a real touch or aproximity touch. A real touch refers to an input occurring when a fingerof the user or an object such as a pen is physically touched (e.g.,makes direct contact) on a cover window disposed on a sensor electrodelayer. A proximity touch refers to an input occurring when a finger ofthe user or an object such as a pen is close to, but not physicallytouched on, the cover window.

A power supply unit for supplying display driving voltages for drivingthe display driving circuit 320 may be additionally disposed on thedisplay circuit board 310.

The bracket 600 may be disposed below the display panel 300 (e.g., inthe Z direction). In an embodiment, the bracket 600 may be formed ofplastic, a metal, or both. In an embodiment, a first camera hole CMH1,in which a first camera sensor 720 is inserted, a battery hole BH, inwhich a battery 790 is disposed, a cable hole CAH, through which a cable314 connected to the display circuit board 310 passes, and alight-transmitting hole SH, in which the optical devices (740, 750, 760,and 770) are disposed, may be formed in the bracket 600. However,embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.For example, the bracket 600 may not include the light-transmitting holeSH and may be formed not to overlap with the sub-display area SDA of thedisplay panel 300.

The main circuit board 700 and the battery 790 may be disposed below thebracket 600 (e.g., in the Z direction). The main circuit board 700 maybe a PCB or an FPCB.

In an embodiment, the main circuit board 700 may include a mainprocessor 710, the first camera sensor 720, a main connector 730, andthe optical devices (740, 750, 760, and 770). The optical devices (740,750, 760, and 770) may include a proximity sensor 740, an illuminationsensor 750, an iris sensor 760, and a second camera sensor 770.

In an embodiment, the first camera sensor 720 may be disposed on boththe top and bottom surfaces of the main circuit board 700 (e.g., in theZ direction), the main processor 710 may be disposed on the top surfaceof the main circuit board 700 (e.g., in the Z direction), and the mainconnector 730 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the main circuitboard 700 (e.g., in the Z direction). The proximity sensor 740, theillumination sensor 750, the iris sensor 760, and the second camerasensor 770 may be disposed on the top surface of the main circuit board700 (e.g., in the Z direction).

In an embodiment, the main processor 710 may control all the functionsof the display device 10. For example, the main processor 710 mayprovide digital video data to the display driving circuit 320 throughthe display circuit board 310 so that the display panel 300 may displayan image. Also, the main processor 710 may receive touch data from thetouch driving circuit 330, may determine the coordinates of a touch fromthe user, and may execute an application corresponding to an icondisplayed at the coordinates of the touch. Also, the main processor 710may display an image captured by the first camera sensor 720 byconverting first image data received from the first camera sensor 720into digital video data and outputting the digital video data to thedisplay driving circuit 320 via the display circuit board 310. Also, themain processor 710 may control the display device 10 in accordance withsensor signals from the proximity sensor 740, the illumination sensor750, the iris sensor 760, and the second camera sensor 770.

The main processor 710 may determine whether there exists an object inthe proximity of the front surface of the display device 10 inaccordance with a proximity sensor signal input thereto from a proximitysensor 740. In an embodiment, if there exists an object in the proximityof the front surface of the display device 10 during a call mode wherethe user talks to another person with the use of the display device 10,the main processor 710 may not execute an application corresponding toan icon at the touch coordinates of a touch from the user.

The main processor 710 may determine the brightness of the front surfaceof the display device 10 based on an illumination sensor signal inputthereto from an illumination sensor 750. In an embodiment, the mainprocessor 710 may adjust the luminance of an image displayed by thedisplay panel 300, in accordance with the brightness of the frontsurface of the display device 10.

The main processor 710 may determine whether an iris image of the useris identical to a previously-stored iris image based on an iris sensorsignal input thereto from an iris sensor 760. In an embodiment, if theiris image of the user is identical to the previously-stored iris image,the main processor 710 may unlock the display device 10 and may displaya home screen on the display panel 300.

The main processor 710 may generate digital video data based on secondimage data received from the second camera sensor 770. In an embodiment,the main processor 710 may display an image (e.g., a still or movingimage) captured by the second camera sensor 770 by outputting thedigital video data to the display driving circuit 320 via the displaycircuit board 310.

The first camera sensor 720 may process a still or moving image obtainedby an image sensor and may output the processed image to the mainprocessor 710. The first camera sensor 720 may be a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge-coupled device(CCD) image sensor. The first camera sensor 720 may be exposed at thebottom of the lower cover 900 by a second camera hole CMH2 and may thusbe able to capture an image of an object or the background below thedisplay device 10.

The cable 314, which passes through the cable hole CAH of the bracket600, may be connected to the main connector 730. Accordingly, the maincircuit board 700 may be electrically connected to the display circuitboard 310.

The proximity sensor 740 may be a sensor for detecting whether thereexists an object in the proximity of the front surface of the displaydevice 10. For example, in an embodiment, the proximity sensor 740 mayinclude a light source that outputs light and a light receiver thatreceives light reflected from an object. The proximity sensor 740 maydetermine the presence of an object in the proximity of the frontsurface of the display device 10 based on the amount of light reflectedfrom the object. As the proximity sensor 740 is disposed to overlap(e.g., in the Z direction) with the light-transmitting hole SH, thesub-display area SDA of the display panel 300, and thelight-transmitting area DA100 of the cover window 100, the proximitysensor 740 may generate a proximity sensor signal based on whether thereexists an object in the proximity of the front surface of the displaydevice 10 and may output the generated proximity sensor signal to themain processor 710.

The illumination sensor 750 may be a sensor for detecting the brightnessat the front surface of the display device 10. The illumination sensor750 may include a resistor whose resistance varies depending on thebrightness of light incident thereupon. In an embodiment, theillumination sensor 750 may determine the brightness at the frontsurface of the display device 10 based on the resistance of theresistor. Since the illumination sensor 750 is disposed to overlap(e.g., in the Z direction) with the light-transmitting hole SH, thesub-display area SDA of the display panel 300, and thelight-transmitting area DA100 of the cover window 100, the illuminationsensor 750 may generate an illumination sensor signal based on thebrightness at the front surface of the display device 10 and may outputthe generated illumination sensor signal to the main processor 710.

The iris sensor 760 may be a sensor for determining whether a capturediris image of the user is identical to an iris image stored in advancein a memory. As the iris sensor 760 is disposed to overlap (e.g., in theZ direction) with the light-transmitting hole SH, the sub-display areaSDA of the display panel 300, and the light-transmitting area DA100 ofthe cover window 100, the iris sensor 760 may capture an image of theiris of the user above the display device 10. The iris sensor 760 maygenerate an iris sensor signal based on whether the captured iris imageof the user is identical to the iris image stored in advance in thememory and may output the generated iris sensor signal to the mainprocessor 710.

The second camera sensor 770 may process image frames obtained by animage sensor, such as a still or moving image, and may output theprocessed image frames to the main processor 710. In an embodiment, thesecond camera sensor 770 may be a CMOS or CCD image sensor. In anembodiment, the pixel quantity of the second camera sensor 770 may besmaller than the pixel quantity of the first camera sensor 720, and thesize of the second camera sensor 770 may also be smaller than the sizeof the first camera sensor 720. As the second camera sensor 770 isdisposed to overlap (e.g., in the Z direction) with thelight-transmitting hole SH of the bracket 600, the sub-display area SDAof the display panel 300, and the light-transmitting area DA100 of thecover window 100, the second camera sensor 770 may capture an image ofan object or the background above the display device 10.

The battery 790 may be disposed not to overlap with the main circuitboard 700 in the Z direction. The battery 790 may overlap with thebattery hole BH of the bracket 600 (e.g., in the Z direction).

A mobile communication module, which can transmit wireless signals to,or receive wireless signals from, at least one of a base station, anexternal terminal, and a server via a mobile communication network maybe further provided in the main circuit board 700. The wireless signalsmay include audio signals, video call signals, and various types of datathat can be transmitted with text/multimedia messages.

The lower cover 900 may be disposed below the main circuit board 700 andthe battery 790 (e.g., in the Z direction). The lower cover 900 may becoupled and fixed to the bracket 600. The lower cover 900 may form thebottom exterior of the display device 10. In an embodiment, the lowercover 900 may be formed of plastic, a metal, or both.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , the second camera hole CMH2,which exposes the bottom of the first camera sensor 720, may be formedin the lower cover 900. However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto and the location of the first camerasensor 720 and the locations of the first and second camera holes CMH1and CMH2, which correspond to the first camera sensor 720 may vary fromthe locations illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3 .

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the display panel 300 mayinclude a substrate SUB, a thin-film transistor layer TFTL, alight-emitting element layer EML, an encapsulation layer TFEL, a touchsensing layer TSL, and a polarizing film POL.

In an embodiment, the substrate SUB may be formed of an insulatingmaterial such as glass, quartz, or a polymer resin. The polymer materialmay be, for example, polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PA),polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS),polyallylate, polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate(CAT), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), a combination thereof.Alternatively, the substrate SUB may include a metallic material.However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto.

The substrate SUB may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate thatis bendable, foldable, or rollable. In an embodiment in which thesubstrate SUB is a flexible substrate, the substrate SUB may be formedof polyimide. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts arenot limited thereto.

The thin-film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on the substrate SUB(e.g., in the Z direction). In an embodiment, not only thin-filmtransistors of each pixel, but also scan lines and data lines may beformed in the thin-film transistor layer TFTL. Each of the thin-filmtransistors may include a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, asource electrode, and a drain electrode.

The light-emitting element layer EML may be disposed on the thin-filmtransistor layer TFTL (e.g., in the Z direction). The light-emittingelement layer EML may include pixels, which include pixel electrodes,light-emitting layers, and a common electrode, and a pixel-definingfilm, which defines the pixels. In an embodiment, the light-emittinglayers may be organic light-emitting layers including an organicmaterial. In this embodiment, the light-emitting layers may include holetransport layers, organic emission layers, and electron transportlayers. As a predetermined voltage is applied to the pixel electrodesand a common voltage is applied to the common electrode via thethin-film transistors in the thin-film transistor layer TFTL, holes fromthe hole transport layers and electrons from the electron transportlayers may move to the organic light-emitting layers. The holes and theelectrons may then combine together in the organic light-emitting layersand may thereby emit light.

The encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the light-emittingelement layer EML (e.g., in the Z direction). The encapsulation layerTFEL may be disposed to cover the thin-film transistor layer TFTL andthe light-emitting element layer EML.

In an embodiment, the encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least oneinorganic film to prevent the penetration of oxygen or moisture into thelight-emitting element layer EML. The inorganic film may be a siliconnitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, atitanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. However, embodimentsof the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. Also, theencapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic film toprotect the light-emitting element layer EML from a foreign materialsuch as dust. In an embodiment, the organic film may include an acrylicresin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or apolyimide resin. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto.

The touch sensing layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layerTFEL (e.g., in the Z direction). For example, in an embodiment, thetouch sensing layer TSL may be disposed directly on the encapsulationlayer TFEL. In an embodiment in which the touch sensing layer TSL isdisposed directly on the encapsulation layer TFEL, the thickness of thedisplay device 10 can be reduced as compared to an embodiment in which aseparate touch panel including the touch sensing layer TSL is attachedon the encapsulation layer TFEL.

The touch sensing layer TSL may include touch electrodes for detecting atouch from the user in a capacitive manner. For example in anembodiment, the touch sensing layer TSL may detect a touch from the userin at least one of a self-capacitance manner and a mutual-capacitancemanner by using the touch electrodes.

The polarizing film POL may be disposed on the touch sensing layer TSL(e.g., in the Z direction) to prevent the degradation of visibility bythe reflection of external light. The polarizing film POL may include alinear polarizing plate and a phase delay film such as a quarter-wave(λ/4) plate.

The cover window 100 may be disposed on the polarizing film POL (e.g.,in the Z direction). In this embodiment, the polarizing film POL and thecover window 100 may be attached together via an adhesive member such asan optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto.

FIG. 5 is a layout view of a touch sensing unit according to anembodiment of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the touch sensing layer TSL includes two typesof electrodes, for example, driving electrodes TE and sensing electrodesRE, and is driven in a mutual-capacitance manner that applies touchdriving signals to the driving electrodes TE and detects mutualcapacitance variations in a plurality of touch nodes TN via the sensingelectrodes RE.

For convenience, FIG. 5 illustrates only the driving electrodes TE, thesensing electrodes RE, dummy patterns DE, touch lines (TL1, TL2, andRL), and touch pads (TP1 and TP2).

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the touch sensing layer TSL mayinclude a touch sensing area TSA for detecting a touch from the user anda touch peripheral area TPA around the touch sensing area TSA. Forexample, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the touch peripheralarea TPA may completely surround the touch sensing area TSA (e.g., inthe X and Y directions). However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto. The touch sensing area TSA may overlapwith the display area DA (of FIG. 3 ), and the touch peripheral area TPAmay overlap with the non-display area NDA (of FIG. 3 ).

The touch sensing area TSA includes the driving electrodes TE, thesensing electrodes RE, and the dummy patterns DE. The driving electrodesTE and the sensing electrodes RE may be electrodes for forming mutualcapacitances to detect a touch from an object or from the user.

The sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in parallel in the X directionand the Y direction. For example, in an embodiment, the sensingelectrodes RE may be electrically connected in the X direction. Thesensing electrodes RE may be connected to one another in the Xdirection. The sensing electrodes RE may be electrically isolated fromone another in the Y direction. Accordingly, a plurality of touch nodesTN (FIG. 6 ) where mutual capacitances are formed may be disposed at theintersections between the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE. The touch nodes TN may correspond to the intersectionsbetween the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

The driving electrodes TE may be arranged in parallel in the X directionand the Y direction. In an embodiment, the driving electrodes TE may beelectrically isolated from one another in the X direction. The drivingelectrodes TE may be electrically connected to one another in the Ydirection. In one example, referring to FIGS. 5-6 , the drivingelectrodes TE may be connected to one another in the Y direction viafirst connection electrodes BE1.

The dummy patterns DE may be surrounded (e.g., in the X and Ydirections) by the driving electrodes TE or the sensing electrodes RE.The dummy patterns DE may be electrically isolated from the drivingelectrodes TE or the sensing electrodes RE. The dummy patterns DE may bespaced apart from the driving electrodes TE or the sensing electrodesRE. The dummy patterns DE may be electrically floated.

FIG. 5 illustrates that the driving electrodes TE, the sensingelectrodes RE, and the dummy patterns DE have a rhombus shape in a planview. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the driving electrodesTE, the sensing electrodes RE, and the dummy patterns DE may have anon-rhombus tetragonal shape, a nontetragonal polygonal shape, acircular shapes, or an elliptical shape in a plan view.

The touch lines (TL1, TL2, and RL) may be disposed in the sensorperipheral area TPA. The touch lines (TL1, TL2, and RL) may includetouch sensing lines RL, which are connected to the sensing electrodesRE, and first touch driving lines TL1 and second touch driving linesTL2, which are connected to the driving electrodes TE.

Sensing electrodes RE disposed on one side of the touch sensing area TSAmay be connected one-to-one to the touch sensing lines RL. In oneexample, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , sensing electrodes RE electricallyconnected to one another in the X direction and disposed at the rightend of the touch sensing area TSA may be connected to the touch sensinglines RL. In an embodiment, the touch sensing lines RL may be connectedone-to-one to second touch pads TP2. Thus, a touch driving circuit 400may be electrically connected to the sensing electrodes RE.

Driving electrodes TE disposed on one side of the touch sensing area TSAmay be connected one-to-one to the first touch driving lines TL1, anddriving electrodes TE disposed on another side of the touch sensing areaTSA may be connected one-to-one to the second touch driving lines TL2.In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 5 , driving electrode TEelectrically connected to one another in the Y direction and disposed atthe lower end of the touch sensing area TSA may be connected one-to-oneto the first touch driving lines TL1, and driving electrode TEelectrically connected to one another in the Y direction and disposed atthe upper end of the touch sensing area TSA may be connected one-to-oneto the second touch driving lines TL2. The second touch driving linesTL2 may be connected to the driving electrodes TE, above the touchsensing area TSA (e.g., in the Y direction) and may pass through theleft portion of the touch peripheral area TPA outside the touch sensingarea TSA (e.g., in the X direction).

The first touch driving lines TL1 and the second touch driving lines TL2may be connected one-to-one to first touch pads TP1. Thus, the touchdriving circuit 400 may be electrically connected to the drivingelectrodes TE. As the driving electrodes TE are connected to the firsttouch driving lines TL1 and the second touch driving lines TL2, on bothsides of the touch sensing area TSA, and are thus able to receive touchdriving signals, discrepancies that may be caused between touch drivingsignals applied to the driving electrodes TE on the lower side of thetouch sensing area TSA and touch driving signals applied to the drivingelectrodes TE on the upper side of the touch sensing area TSA, due to RCdelays in the touch driving signals, can be prevented.

A first touch pad area TPA1, in which the first touch pads TP1 aredisposed, may be disposed on one side of a display pad area DPA, inwhich display pads DP are disposed. A second touch pad area TPA2, inwhich second touch pads TP2 are disposed, may be disposed on anotherside of the display pad area DPA. For example, as shown in theembodiment of FIG. 5 , the first touch pad area TPA1 may be disposed ona left side of the display pad area DPA (e.g., in the X direction) andthe second touch pad area TPA2 may be disposed on a right side of thedisplay pad area DPA (e.g., in the X direction). However, embodiments ofthe present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. The display padsDP may be electrically connected to the data lines of the display panel300.

The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1, and the secondtouch pad area TPA2 may correspond to the pads of the display panel 300,which are connected to the display circuit board 310 of FIG. 2 . Thedisplay circuit board 310 may be disposed on the display pads DP, thefirst touch pads TP1, and the second touch pads TP2. The display padsDP, the first touch pads TP1, and the second touch pads TP2 may beelectrically connected to the display circuit board 310 via ananisotropic conductive film and a conductive adhesive member. Thus, thedisplay pads DP, the first touch pads TP1, and the second touch pads TP2may be electrically connected to the touch driving circuit 400, which isdisposed on the display circuit board 310.

For convenience, FIG. 5 illustrates that the first sub-display area SDA1does not overlap with the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the second,third, and fourth sub-display areas SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 may not overlapwith the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

As the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE do notoverlap with the first sub-display area SDA1, driving electrodes TEadjacent to the first sub-display area SDA1 may have a different planarshape from driving electrodes that are not adjacent to the firstsub-display area SDA1. Also, the driving electrodes TE adjacent to thefirst sub-display area SDA1 may have a smaller size than the drivingelectrodes TE that are not adjacent to the first sub-display area SDA1.

Also, as the sensing electrodes RE do not overlap with the firstsub-display area SDA1, sensing electrodes RE adjacent to the firstsub-display area SDA1 may have a different planar shape from sensingelectrodes RE that are not adjacent to the first sub-display area SDA1.Also, the sensing electrodes RE adjacent to the first sub-display areaSDA1 may have a smaller size than the sensing electrodes RE that are notadjacent to the first sub-display area SDA1.

FIG. 6 is a layout view illustrating touch nodes of FIG. 5 .

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 6 , the touch nodes TN may bedefined as the intersections between the driving electrodes TE and thesensing electrodes RE.

As the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE are disposedin the same layer, the driving electrodes TE may be spaced apart fromthe sensing electrodes RE. That is, gaps may be formed between thedriving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

Also, the dummy patterns DE may be disposed in the same layer as thedriving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE. That is, gaps mayalso be formed between the driving electrodes TE and the dummy patternsDE and between the sensing electrodes RE and the dummy patterns DE.

In an embodiment, the first connection electrodes BE1 may be disposed ina different layer from the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE. In an embodiment, the first connection electrodes BE1 maybe formed to be bent at least once. In the embodiment of FIG. 6 , eachof the first connection electrodes BE1 is formed in the shape of anangle bracket (such as “<” or “>”). However, embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto and the planar shape of thefirst connection electrodes BE1 may vary. Since each pair of adjacentdriving electrodes TE in the Y direction are connected by multiple firstconnection electrodes BE1, the driving electrodes TE can be stablyconnected in the Y direction, even if one of the first connectingportions CE1 is disconnected. FIG. 6 illustrates that every two adjacentdriving electrodes TE are connected by one connection electrode BE1.However, the number of first connection electrodes BE1 used to connectevery two adjacent driving electrodes TE is not particularly limited.

The first connection electrodes BE1 may overlap with the drivingelectrodes TE, which are adjacent to one another in the Y direction, inthe thickness direction of the substrate SUB (e.g., in the Z direction).The first connection electrodes BE1 may overlap with the sensingelectrodes RE (e.g., in the Z direction). First and second sides of eachof the first connection electrodes BE1 may be connected to a pair ofadjacent driving electrodes TE in the Y direction via first touchcontact holes TCNT1.

Due to the presence of the first connection electrodes BE1, the drivingelectrodes TE may be electrically isolated from the sensing electrodesRE at the intersections between the driving electrodes TE and thesensing electrodes RE. Accordingly, mutual capacitances may be formedbetween the driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

The driving electrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, and the firstconnection electrodes BE1 may have a mesh or fishnet shape in a planview. Also, the dummy patterns DE may have a mesh or fishnet shape in aplan view. Thus, the driving electrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE,the first connection electrodes BE1, and the dummy patterns DE may notoverlap with emission units (EA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14) of each firstpixel PX1. Accordingly, the brightness of light emitted from theemission units (EA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14) can be prevented fromdecreasing due to being blocked by the driving electrodes TE, thesensing electrodes RE, the first connection electrodes BE1, and thedummy patterns DE.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6 , a first pixel PX1 may include afirst emission unit EA11, which emits light of a first color, a secondemission unit EA12, which emits light of a second color, a thirdemission unit EA13, which emits light of a third color, and a fourthemission unit EA14, which emits light of the second color. In oneexample, the first, second, and third colors may be red, green, andblue, respectively. FIG. 6 illustrates that the second and fourthemission units EA12 and EA14 emit light of the same color. However,embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited theretoand the first to fourth emission units EA11 to EA14 may emit variousdifferent colors. For example, the second and fourth emission units EA12and EA14 may emit light of different colors.

The first and second emission units EA11 and EA12 may be adjacent toeach other in a fourth direction DR4 that extends between the X and Ydirections and is perpendicular to the Z direction. For example, thefourth direction DR4 may be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees withrespect to the X direction. The third and fourth emission units EA13 andEA14 may be adjacent to each other in the fourth direction DR4. Thefirst and fourth emission units EA11 and EA14 may be adjacent to eachother in a fifth direction DR5 that extends between the X and Ydirections and is perpendicular to the fourth direction DR4 and the Zdirection. The second and third emission units EA12 and EA13 may beadjacent to each other in the fifth direction DR5.

In an embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth emission unitsEA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14 may have a rhombus or rectangular shape in aplan view. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts arelimited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the first, second,third, and fourth emission units EA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14 may have anontetragonal polygonal shape, a circular shape, or an elliptical shapein a plan view. FIG. 6 illustrates that the third emission unit EA13 hasa largest size and the second and fourth emission units EA12 and EA14have a smallest size. However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto and the respective sizes of the firstto fourth emission units EA11 to EA14 may vary.

In an embodiment, second emission units EA12 and fourth emission unitsEA14 may be arranged in odd-numbered rows. The second emission unitsEA12 and the fourth emission units EA14 may be arranged parallel to oneanother in the X direction, in each of the odd-numbered rows. The secondemission units EA12 and the fourth emission units EA14 may bealternately arranged in each of the odd-numbered rows. Each of thesecond emission units EA12 may have relatively long sides in the fourthdirection DR4 and relatively short sides in the fifth direction DR5, andeach of the fourth emission units EA14 may have relatively short sidesin the fourth direction DR4 and relatively long sides in the fifthdirection DR5. The fourth direction DR4 may be a diagonal directionbetween the X direction and the Y direction and may be inclined at anangle of 45 degrees with respect to the X direction. The fifth directionDR5 may be a direction orthogonal to the fourth direction DR4.

First emission units EA11 and third emission units EA13 may be arrangedin even-numbered rows. The first emission units EA11 and the thirdemission units EA13 may be arranged parallel to one another in the Xdirection, in each of the even-numbered rows. The first emission unitsEA11 and the third emission units EA13 may be alternately arranged ineach of the even-numbered rows.

The second emission units EA12 and the fourth emission units EA14 may bearranged in odd-numbered columns. The second emission units EA12 and thefourth emission units EA14 may be arranged parallel to one another inthe Y direction, in each of the odd-numbered columns. The secondemission units EA12 and the fourth emission units EA14 may bealternately arranged in each of the odd-numbered columns.

The first emission units EA11 and the third emission units EA13 may bearranged in even-numbered columns. The first emission units EA11 and thethird emission units EA13 may be arranged parallel to one another in theY direction, in each of the even-numbered columns. The first emissionunits EA11 and the third emission units EA13 may be alternately arrangedin each of the even-numbered columns.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 6 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , a barrier film BR may be disposed on the substrateSUB (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). The substrate SUB maybe formed of an insulating material such as a polymer resin. In oneexample, the substrate SUB may be formed of polyimide. The substrate SUBmay be a flexible substrate that is bendable, foldable, or rollable.

The barrier film BR is a film for protecting the transistors of thethin-film transistor layer TFTL and light-emitting layers 172 of thelight-emitting element layer EML from moisture that may infiltrate intothe substrate SUB, which is susceptible to moisture. In an embodiment,the barrier film BR may include a plurality of inorganic films that arealternately stacked. In one example, the barrier film BR may be formedas a multilayer in which one or more inorganic films such as a siliconnitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, atitanium oxide layer, and/or an aluminum oxide layer are alternatelystacked.

Thin-film transistors ST1 may be disposed on the barrier film BR. Thethin-film transistors ST1 may include active layers ACT1, gateelectrodes G1, source electrodes S1, and drain electrodes D1.

The active layers ACT1, the source electrodes S1, and the drainelectrodes D1 of the thin-film transistors ST1 are disposed on thebarrier film BR (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). In anembodiment, the active layers ACT1 of the thin-film transistors ST1 mayinclude polycrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon,low-temperature polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, or an oxidesemiconductor. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto. The active layers ACT1, which overlap with thegate electrodes G1 in the thickness direction of the substrate SUB(e.g., the Z direction) may be defined as channel regions. The sourceelectrodes S1 and the drain electrodes D1 may be regions that do notoverlap with the gate electrodes G1 in the Z direction. In anembodiment, the source electrodes S1 and the drain electrodes D1 mayinclude a silicon or oxide semiconductor doped with ions or impuritiesand may thus have conductivity.

A gate insulating film 130 may be disposed on the active layers ACT1,the source electrodes S1, and the drain electrodes D1 of the thin-filmtransistors ST1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). In anembodiment, the gate insulating film 130 may be formed as an inorganicfilm such as, for example, a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitridelayer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminumoxide layer. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts arenot limited thereto.

The gate electrodes G1 of the thin-film transistors ST1 may be disposedon the gate insulating film 130 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection). The gate electrodes G1 may overlap with the active layersACT1 in the Z direction. In an embodiment, the gate electrodes G1 may beformed as single layers or multilayers including molybdenum (Mo),aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), nickel (Ni),neodymium (Nd), copper (Cu), or an alloy thereof.

A first interlayer insulating film 141 may be disposed on the gateelectrodes G1 of the thin-film transistors ST1 (e.g., directly thereonin the Z direction). In an embodiment, the first interlayer insulatingfilm 141 may be formed as an inorganic film such as, for example, asilicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxidelayer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. The firstinterlayer insulating film 141 may be formed as a multilayer inorganicfilm.

Capacitor electrodes CAE may be disposed on the first interlayerinsulating film 141 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Asshown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 , the capacitor electrodes CAE mayoverlap with the gate electrodes G1 of the first thin-film transistorsST1 in the Z direction. As the first interlayer insulating film 141 hasa predetermined dielectric constant, capacitors may be formed by thecapacitor electrodes CAE, the gate electrodes G1, and the firstinterlayer insulating film 141. In an embodiment, the capacitorelectrodes CAE may be formed as single layers or multilayers includingMo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd, Cu, or an alloy thereof. However,embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

A second interlayer insulating film 142 may be disposed on the capacitorelectrodes CAE (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). In anembodiment, the second interlayer insulating film 142 may be formed asan inorganic film such as, for example, a silicon nitride layer, asilicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer,or an aluminum oxide layer. However, embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto. The second interlayerinsulating film 142 may be formed as a multilayer inorganic film.

First anode connection electrodes ANDE1 may be disposed on the secondinterlayer insulating film 142 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection). The first anode connection electrodes ANDE1 may be connectedto the drain electrodes D1 of the thin-film transistors ST1 throughfirst connecting contact holes ANCT1, which penetrate the gateinsulating film 130, the first interlayer insulating film 141, and thesecond interlayer insulating film 142. In an embodiment, the first anodeconnection electrodes ANDE1 may be formed as single layers ormultilayers including Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd, Cu, or an alloythereof. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto.

A first planarization film 160 for planarizing any height differencesformed by the thin-film transistors ST1 may be disposed on the firstanode connection electrodes ANDE1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection). In an embodiment, the first planarization film 160 may beformed as an organic film including an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, aphenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.

Second anode connection electrodes ANDE2 may be disposed on the firstplanarization film 160 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Thesecond anode connection electrodes ANDE2 may be connected to the firstanode connection electrodes ANDE1 through second connecting contactholes ANCT2, which penetrate the first planarization film 160. In anembodiment, the second anode connection electrodes ANDE2 may be formedas single layers or multilayers including Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd,Cu, or an alloy thereof. However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto.

A second planarization film 180 may be disposed on the second anodeconnection electrodes ANDE2 and the first planarization film 160 (e.g.,directly thereon in the Z direction). In an embodiment, the secondplanarization film 180 may be formed as an organic film including anacrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or apolyimide resin. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto.

Light-emitting elements LEL and a bank 190 may be disposed on the secondplanarization film 180 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Thelight-emitting elements LEL include a pixel electrodes 171,light-emitting layers 172, and a common electrode 173.

The pixel electrodes 171 may be disposed on the second planarizationfilm 180 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). The pixelelectrodes 171 may be connected to the second anode connectionelectrodes ANDE2 through third connecting contact holes ANCT3, whichpenetrate the second planarization film 180.

In an embodiment that includes a top emission structure that emits lightin a direction from the light-emitting layers 172 to the commonelectrode 173, the pixel electrodes 171 may be formed of a metallicmaterial with high reflectance such as a stack of Al and Ti (e.g.,Ti/Al/Ti), a stack of Al and indium tin oxide (ITO) (e.g., ITO/Al/ITO),a silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy, or a stack of an APC alloy andITO (e.g., (TO/APC/ITO). However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto.

The bank 190 may be formed to divide the pixel electrodes 171 on thesecond planarization film 180 to define first, second, third, and fourthemission units EA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14. The bank 190 may be disposedto cover the edges of each of the pixel electrodes 171 and to expose acentral portion of the pixel electrodes 171. In an embodiment, the bank190 may be formed as an organic film including an acrylic resin, anepoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimide resin.However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto.

Each of the first, second, third, and fourth emission units EA11, EA12,EA13, and EA14 may refer to a region in which one of the pixelelectrodes 171, one of the light-emitting layers 172, and the commonelectrode 173 are sequentially stacked (e.g., in the Z direction) sothat holes from the corresponding pixel electrode 171 and electrons fromthe common electrode 173 combine together in the correspondinglight-emitting layer 172 and thus emit light.

The light-emitting layers 172 may be disposed on the pixel electrodes171 and the bank 190 (e.g., directly thereon). In an embodiment, thelight-emitting layers 172 may include an organic material and may emitlight of a predetermined color. In one example, the light-emittinglayers 172 may include hole transport layers, organic material layers,and electron transport layers.

The common electrode 173 may be disposed on the light-emitting layers172 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). The common electrode173 may be disposed to cover the light-emitting layers 172. In anembodiment, the common electrode 173 may be a layer formed in common forall the first, second, third, and fourth emission units EA11, EA12,EA13, and EA14. In an embodiment, a capping layer may be formed on thecommon electrode 173 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction).

In an embodiment including the top emission structure, the commonelectrode 173 may be formed of a transparent conductive oxide (TCO)capable of transmitting light therethrough, such as ITO or indium zincoxide (IZO), or a semitransparent conductive material such as magnesium(Mg), silver (Ag), or an alloy thereof. However, embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In an embodimentwhere the common electrode 173 is formed of a semitransparent metallicmaterial, the emission efficiency of the light-emitting elements LEL canbe increased due to microcavities.

The encapsulation layer TFEL may be disposed on the common electrode 173(e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). The encapsulation layerTFEL may include at least one inorganic film to prevent the infiltrationof oxygen or moisture into the light-emitting element layer EML. Also,the encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one organic film toprotect the light-emitting element layer EML from a foreign materialsuch as dust. In one example, the encapsulation layer TFEL may include afirst encapsulation inorganic film TFE1, an encapsulation organic filmTFE2, and a second encapsulation inorganic film TFE3.

The first encapsulation inorganic film TFE1 may be disposed on thecommon electrode 173 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction), theencapsulation organic film TFE2 may be disposed on the firstencapsulation inorganic film TFE1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection), and the second encapsulation inorganic film TFE3 may bedisposed on the encapsulation organic film TFE2 (e.g., directly thereonin the Z direction). In an embodiment, the first and secondencapsulation inorganic films TFE1 and TFE3 may be formed as multilayersin which one or more inorganic films such as a silicon nitride layer, asilicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer,and/or an aluminum oxide layer are alternately stacked. However,embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.The encapsulation organic film TFE2 may be formed as an organic filmincluding an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, apolyamide resin, or a polyimide resin. However, embodiments of thepresent inventive concepts are not limited thereto. In some embodiments,the numbers of the encapsulation organic film and the encapsulationinorganic film may vary.

The touch sensing layer TSL may be disposed on the encapsulation layerTFEL (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). The touch sensinglayer TSL may include a first touch insulating film TINS1, firstconnection electrodes BE1, a second touch insulating film TINS2, drivingelectrodes TE, sensing electrodes RE, and a third touch insulating filmTINS3.

In an embodiment, the first touch insulating film TINS1 may be formed asan inorganic film such as, for example, a silicon nitride layer, asilicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer,or an aluminum oxide layer. However, embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The first connection electrodes BE1 may be disposed on the first touchinsulating film TINS1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). In anembodiment, the first connection electrodes BE1 may be formed as singlelayers or multilayers including Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd, Cu, or analloy thereof. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto.

The second touch insulating film TINS2 may be disposed on the firstconnection electrodes BE1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction).In an embodiment, the second touch insulating film TINS2 may be formedas an inorganic film such as, for example, a silicon nitride layer, asilicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer,or an aluminum oxide layer. Alternatively, the second touch insulatingfilm TINS2 may be formed as an organic film including an acrylic resin,an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or a polyimideresin. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto.

The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be disposedon the second touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in theZ direction). Not only the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE, but also, the dummy patterns DE, the first touch drivinglines TL1, the second touch driving lines TL2, and the touch sensinglines RL of FIG. 4 , may be disposed on the second touch insulating filmTINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). The drivingelectrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be formed as singlelayers or multilayers including Mo, Al, Cr, Au, Ti, Ni, Nd, Cu, or analloy thereof.

The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may overlap withthe first connection electrodes BE1 in the Z direction. The drivingelectrodes TE may be connected to the first connection electrodes BE1through first touch contact holes TCNT1, which penetrate the first touchinsulating film TINS1.

The third touch insulating film TINS3 may be formed on the drivingelectrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE (e.g., directly thereon).The third touch insulating film TINS3 may planarize height differencesformed by the driving electrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, and thefirst connection electrodes BE1. In an embodiment, the third touchinsulating film TINS3 may be formed as an organic film including anacrylic resin, an epoxy resin, a phenolic resin, a polyamide resin, or apolyimide resin. However, embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not limited thereto.

The polarizing film POL may be disposed on the touch sensing layer TSLto prevent the degradation of visibility by the reflection of externallight. In an embodiment, the polarizing film POL may include a linearpolarizing plate and a phase delay film such as a λ/4 plate.

FIG. 8 is a layout view of an area A of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 8 illustrates the first sub-display area SDA1, driving electrodesTE and sensing electrodes RE adjacent to the first sub-display areaSDA1, and auxiliary electrodes TAE.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the first sub-display area SDA1 may include aplurality of sub-touch electrodes. In one example, the first sub-displayarea SDA1 may include a first sub-driving electrode STE1, a secondsub-driving electrode STE2, sub-sensing electrodes SRE, and auxiliaryelectrodes TAE.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposed in an upper portionof the first sub-display area SDA1. The width of the first sub-drivingelectrode STE1 may decrease from the edge to the center of the firstsub-display area SDA1. In one example, the first sub-driving electrodeSTE1 may have a fanlike shape in a plan view (e.g., in a plane definedin the X and Y directions).

The second sub-driving electrode STE2 may be disposed in a lower portionof the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction). The widthof the second sub-driving electrode STE2 (e.g., length in the Xdirection) may decrease from the edge to the center of the firstsub-display area SDA1. In one example, the second sub-driving electrodeSTE2 may have a fanlike shape in a plan view (e.g., in a plane definedin the X and Y directions).

In an embodiment, the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 andSTE2 may be symmetrical with each other in the Y direction with respectto the center of the first sub-display area SDA1. The first and secondsub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 may be disposed to be spaced apartfrom each other (e.g., in the Y direction).

The sub-sensing electrodes SRE may be disposed on left and rightportions of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction).The width of the sub-sensing electrodes SRE (e.g., length in the Ydirection) may decrease from the edge towards the center of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The sub-sensing electrodes SRE may be disposedbetween the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2.

The adjacent first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 maybe connected via a plurality of second connection electrodes BE2 (ofFIGS. 11A and 11B) that overlap with the sub-sensing electrodes SRE(e.g., in the Z direction). That is, due to the second connectionelectrodes BE2, the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 andSTE2 may be electrically isolated from the sub-sensing electrodes SRE atthe intersections between the first and second sub-driving electrodesSTE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE. Accordingly, mutualcapacitances may be formed between the first and second sub-drivingelectrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

The first sub-display area SDA1 may include a plurality of auxiliaryelectrodes TAE. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8 , theauxiliary electrodes TAE may include first, second, third, and fourthauxiliary electrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4. However, embodiments ofthe present inventive concepts are not limited thereto and the numbersof the auxiliary electrodes TAE may vary.

The first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1, TAE2,TAE3, and TAE4 may be disposed along the edge of the first sub-displayarea SDA1. The auxiliary electrodes TAE, such as the first, second,third, and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4, maybe disposed between the first pixels PX1 (FIG. 9 ) of the main displayarea MDA and the second pixels PX2 (FIG. 9 ) of the sub-display areas,such as the first sub-display area SDA1. The first auxiliary electrodeTAE1 may be disposed on an upper portion of the edge of the firstsub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction), and the secondauxiliary electrode TAE2 may be disposed on a lower portion of the edgeof the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction). The thirdauxiliary electrode TAE3 may be disposed on a left portion of the edgeof the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction), and thefourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 may be disposed on a right portion ofthe edge of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction).

The first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1, TAE2,TAE3, and TAE4 may be disposed to be spaced apart from one another. Thatis, the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1,TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4 may be electrically isolated from one another.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the first auxiliary electrodeTAE1 may be disposed between the first sub-driving electrode STE1 andthe driving electrode TE on the upper outer side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The first auxiliary electrode TAE1 may beconnected to the first sub-driving electrode STE1 and the drivingelectrode TE on the upper outer side of the first sub-display area SDA1.As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the second auxiliary electrodeTAE2 may be disposed between the second sub-driving electrode STE2 andthe driving electrode TE on the lower outer side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The second auxiliary electrode TAE2 may beconnected to the second sub-driving electrode STE2 and the drivingelectrode TE on the lower outer side of the first sub-display area SDA1.As the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 areconnected by multiple second connection electrodes BE2, the drivingelectrodes TE and the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 andSTE2 may be electrically connected to one another.

The third auxiliary electrode TAE3 may be between the sensing electrodeRE outside the left side of the first sub-display area SDA1 and thesub-sensing electrode SRE (e.g., in the X direction). That is, the thirdauxiliary electrode TAE3 may be connected to the sensing electrode REoutside the left side of the first sub-display area SDA1 and thesub-sensing electrode SRE. The fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 may bebetween the sensing electrode RE outside the right side of the firstsub-display area SDA1 and the sub-sensing electrode SRE (e.g., in the Xdirection). The fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 may be connected to thesensing electrode RE outside the right side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1 and the sub-sensing electrode SRE. Accordingly, the sensingelectrodes RE and the third and fourth sub-driving electrodes STE3 andSTE4 may be electrically connected to one another.

The first sub-display area SDA1 may include a plurality oflight-transmitting areas TA (FIGS. 9 and 11A) to provide light to anoptical device such as the proximity sensor 740. Accordingly, the ratioof the area occupied by the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1and STE2 per unit area may be less than the ratio of the area occupiedby the driving electrodes TE per unit area. Also, the ratio of the areaoccupied by the sub-sensing electrodes SRE per unit area may be lessthan the ratio of the area occupied by the sensing electrodes RE perunit area. As a result, mutual capacitances formed between the first andsecond sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE, in the first sub-display area SDA1, may be smaller thanmutual capacitances formed between the driving electrodes TE and thesensing electrodes RE, in the main display area MDA, and thus, touchsensitivity may be relatively low in the first sub-display area SDA1.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 8 , as the first and secondauxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE2, which are connected to the first andsecond sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2, respectively, and the thirdand fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE3 and TAE4, which are connected tothe sub-sensing electrodes SRE, are provided along the edge of the firstsub-display area SDA1, the mutual capacitances formed between the firstand second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE, in the first sub-display area SDA1, can be strengthened.As a result, the touch sensitivity in the first sub-display area SDA1can be increased.

The second, third, and fourth sub-display areas SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 may be substantially the same as the first sub-displayarea SDA1 of FIG. 8 , and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 9 is a layout view of an area A-1 of FIG. 8 . FIG. 10A is across-sectional view taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9 .

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10A, the first sub-display area SDA1 mayinclude second pixels PX2, the first sub-driving electrode STE1,light-transmitting areas TA, and the first auxiliary electrode TAE1.

Each of the second pixels PX2 may include a first emission unit EA21,which emits light of the first color, a second emission unit EA22, whichemits light of the second color, a third emission unit EA23, which emitslight of the third color, and a fourth emission unit EA24, which emitslight of the second color. FIG. 9 illustrates that the second and fourthemission units EA21 and EA24 emit light of the same color. However,embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.Alternatively, the second and fourth emission units EA22 and EA24 mayemit light of different colors.

The first and second emission units EA21 and EA22 may be adjacent toeach other in the X direction, the first and fourth emission units EA21and EA24 may be adjacent to each other in the X direction, the secondand third emission units EA22 and EA23 may be adjacent to each other inthe X direction, and the third and fourth emission units EA23 and EA24may be adjacent to each other in the X direction. The second and fourthemission units EA22 and EA24 may be adjacent to each other in the Ydirection and may be disposed between the first emission unit EA21 andthe third emission unit EA23 in the X direction.

The third emission unit EA23 may have a largest size, and the second andfourth emission units EA22 and EA24 may have a smallest size. The secondand fourth emission units EA22 and EA24 may have substantially the samesize. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are notlimited thereto and the sizes of the first to fourth emission units EA21to EA24 may vary.

In an embodiment, the first emission unit EA22 of each of the secondpixels PX2 may have a larger size (e.g., area in a plane defined in theX and Y directions) than a first emission unit EA11 of each of firstpixels PX1. The second emission unit EA22 of each of the second pixelsPX2 may have a larger size (e.g., area in a plane defined in the X and Ydirections) than a second emission unit EA12 of each of the first pixelsPX1. The third emission unit EA23 of each of the second pixels PX2 mayhave a larger size (e.g., area in a plane defined in the X and Ydirections) than a third emission unit EA13 of each of the first pixelsPX1. The fourth emission unit EA24 of each of the second pixels PX2 mayhave a larger size (e.g., area in a plane defined in the X and Ydirections) than a fourth emission unit EA14 of each of the first pixelsPX1.

The resolution of the main display area MDA may be higher than theresolution of the first sub-display area SDA1. That is, the number offirst pixels PX1 per unit area of the main display area MDA may begreater than the number of second pixels PX2 per unit area of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The number of emission units (EA11, EA12, EA13,and EA14) per unit area of the main display area MDA may be less thanthe number of emission units (EA21, EA22, EA23, and EA24) per unit areaof the first sub-display area SDA1.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 , a pair of second pixels PX2 maybe disposed adjacent to each other in the Y direction. A first emissionunit EA21 of a first second pixel of the pair of second pixels PX2 maybe adjacent to a third emission unit EA23 of the second second pixel ofthe pair of second pixels PX2 in the Y direction. A fourth emission unitEA24 of a first second pixel of the pair of second pixels PX2 may beadjacent to a fourth emission unit EA24 of the second second pixel ofthe pair of second pixels PX2 in the Y direction.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposed to surround atleast one of the first, second, third, and fourth emission units EA21,EA22, EA23, and EA24 of each of the second pixels PX2. For example, inone embodiment, the first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposed tosurround the first and third emission units EA21 and EA23 of each of thesecond pixels PX2. Also, the first sub-driving electrode STE1 may bedisposed to surround the second and fourth emission units EA22 and EA24of each of the second pixels PX2.

In an embodiment, the first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposedbetween the first and second emission units EA21 and EA22 of each of thesecond pixels PX2, between the first and fourth emission units EA21 andEA24 of each of the second pixels PX2, between the second and thirdemission units EA22 and EA23 of each of the second pixels PX2, andbetween the third and fourth emission units EA23 and EA24 of each of thesecond pixels PX2. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9 , the firstsub-driving electrode STE1 may not be disposed between the second andfourth emission units EA22 and EA24 of each of the second pixels PX2.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposed between the firstemission unit EA21 of a first second pixel of a pair of second pixelsPX2 and the third emission unit EA23 of the second second pixel of thepair of second pixels PX2. Also, the first sub-driving electrode STE1may be disposed between the third emission unit EA23 of a first secondpixel of the pair of second pixels PX2 and the first emission unit EA21of the second second pixel of the pair of second pixels PX2. Also, thefirst sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposed between the fourthemission units EA24 of the pair of second pixels PX2.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be disposed to surround theedges of each pair of second pixels PX2. A portion of the firstsub-driving electrode STET that surround two pairs of second pixels PX2that are adjacent to each other in the X direction may be connected toeach other. A portion of the first sub-driving electrode STE1 thatsurround two pairs of second pixels PX2 that are adjacent to each otherin the Y direction may be connected to each other.

The light-transmitting areas TA may be defined by the first sub-drivingelectrode STE1. The light-transmitting areas TA may include a materialcapable of transmitting light therethrough. In an embodiment, each ofthe light-transmitting areas TA may include at least a portion of thesubstrate SUB, the barrier film BR, the gate insulating film 130, thefirst interlayer insulating film 141, the second interlayer insulatingfilm 142, the first planarization film 160, the second planarizationfilm 180, the bank 190, the first encapsulation inorganic film TFE1, theencapsulation organic film TFE2, the second encapsulation inorganic filmTFE3, the first touch insulating film TINS1, the second touch insulatingfilm TINS2, and the third touch insulating film TINS3. As a result,light incident upon the light-transmitting areas TA may pass through thelight-transmitting areas TA.

The first auxiliary electrode TAE1 may be disposed between the firstsub-driving electrode STE1 and the driving electrodes TE. The firstauxiliary electrode TAE1 may be connected to the first sub-drivingelectrode TAE1 and the driving electrodes TE.

In an embodiment, the maximum width of the first auxiliary electrodeTAE1 may be greater than the maximum widths of the first sub-drivingelectrode STE1 and the driving electrodes TE. Similarly, the maximumwidth of the second auxiliary electrode TAE2 may be greater than themaximum widths of the second sub-driving electrode TAE2 and the drivingelectrodes TE. Similarly, the maximum width of the third and fourthauxiliary electrodes TAE3 and TAE4 may be greater than the maximumwidths of the sub-sensing electrodes SRE and the sensing electrodes RE.Due to the addition of the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliaryelectrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4, the mutual capacitances formedbetween the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 andthe sub-sensing electrodes SRE, in the first sub-display area SDA1, canbe strengthened.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10A, the first sub-driving electrodeSTE1 and the first auxiliary electrode TAE1 may be disposed on thesecond touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection). The second sub-driving electrode STE2, the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE, and the second, third, and fourth auxiliary electrodesTAE2, TAE3, and TAE3 may also be disposed on the second touch insulatingfilm TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). That is, thefirst and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2, the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE, the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliaryelectrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4 may be formed in the same layeras, and include the same material as, the driving electrodes TE and thesensing electrodes RE.

A thin-film transistor ST1, a capacitor electrode CAE, a first anodeconnection electrode ANDE1, a second anode connection electrode ANDE2,and a third anode connection electrode ANDE3 of a second pixel PX2 ofFIG. 10A may be substantially the same as their respective counterpartsof FIG. 7 , and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted forconvenience of explanation. Also, first, second, third, and fourthemission units EA21, EA22, EA23, and EA24 of the second pixel PX2 ofFIG. 10A may be substantially the same as their respective counterpartsof FIG. 7 , and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted forconvenience of explanation.

As illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10A, as the firstauxiliary electrode TAE1 is disposed in extra space in the firstsub-display area SDA1 to be connected to the first sub-driving electrodeSTE1, the mutual capacitances formed between the first and secondsub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE,in the first sub-display area SDA1, can be strengthened. Accordingly,the touch sensitivity in the first sub-display area SDA1 can beincreased.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C′ of FIG. 9 .

The embodiment of FIG. 10B differs from the embodiment of FIG. 10A inthat the polarizing film POL is not disposed in the first sub-displayarea SDA1. The embodiment of FIG. 10B will hereinafter be described,focusing mainly on the differences with the embodiment of FIG. 10A.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the polarizing film POL may not be disposed inthe first sub-display area SDA1 to provide more light to an opticaldevice disposed in the first sub-display area SDA1, such as theproximity sensor 740. As a result, the polarizing film POL may notoverlap (e.g., in the Z direction) with first, second, third, and fourthemission units EA21, EA22, EA23, and EA24 of a second pixel PX2 in thefirst sub-display area SDA1. Also, the polarizing film POL may notoverlap (e.g., in the Z direction), with the second sub-drivingelectrode STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE. Also, the polarizingfilm POL which may include a polarizing plate, may not overlap (e.g., inthe Z direction) with the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliaryelectrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4.

FIG. 11A is a layout view of an area A-2 of FIG. 8 . FIG. 11B is alayout view of an area B-1 of FIG. 11A. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectionalview taken along line D-D′ of FIG. 11B.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12 , the first andsecond sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 may be connected to eachother by a plurality of second connection electrodes BE2. Since thefirst and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 are connected toeach other by a plurality of second connection electrodes BE2, the firstand second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 can stably remainconnected even if one of the second connection electrodes BE2 isdisconnected. FIG. 11A illustrates that the first and second sub-drivingelectrodes STE1 and STE2 are connected to each other by two secondconnection electrodes BE2. However, embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto and the number of second connectionelectrodes BE2 connected the first and second sub-driving electrodesSTE1 and STE2 may vary.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be connected to first sides ofthe second connection electrodes BE2 through second touch contact holesTCNT2. The second sub-driving electrode STE2 may be connected to secondsides of the second connection electrodes BE2 through third touchcontact holes TCNT3. The second connection electrodes BE2 may overlapwith the sub-sensing electrodes SRE (e.g., in the Z direction).

The first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and thesub-sensing electrodes SRE may be disposed on the second touchinsulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Thatis, the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and thesub-sensing electrodes SRE may be disposed in the same layer as, andinclude the same material as, the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE.

The second connection electrodes BE2 may be disposed on the first touchinsulating film TINS1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Thatis, the second connection electrodes BE2 may be formed in the same layeras, and include the same material as, the first connection electrodesBE1.

The second touch contact holes TCNT2 may be holes that penetrate thesecond touch insulating film TINS2 to expose the second connectionelectrodes BE2. The first sub-driving electrode STE1 may be connected tothe second connection electrodes BE2 through the second touch contactholes TCNT2.

The third touch contact holes TCNT3 may be holes that penetrate thesecond touch insulating film TINS2 to expose the second connectionelectrodes BE2. The second sub-driving electrode STE2 may be connectedto the second connection electrodes BE2 through the third touch contactholes TCNT3.

Due to the presence of the second connection electrodes BE2, the firstand second sub-driving electrodes STET and STE2 may be electricallyisolated from the sub-sensing electrodes SRE. Thus, mutual capacitancesmay be formed between the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

The number of second pixels PX2 surrounded by the first sub-drivingelectrode STE1 may decrease from the edge towards the center of thefirst sub-display area SDA1. Also, the number of second pixels PX2surrounded by the second sub-driving electrode STE2 may decrease fromthe edge towards the center of the first sub-display area SDA1. Also,the number of second pixels PX2 surrounded by the sub-sensing electrodesSRE may decrease from the edge towards the center of the firstsub-display area SDA1.

FIG. 13A is a layout view of the area A-2 of FIG. 8 . FIG. 13B is alayout view of an area B-2 of FIG. 13A. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectionalview taken along line E-E′ of FIG. 13B.

The embodiments of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14 differ from the embodiments ofFIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12 in that the first and second sub-drivingelectrodes STE1 and STE2 and the second connection electrodes BE2 aredisposed in the same layer. The embodiments of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14will hereinafter be described, focusing mainly on the differences withthe embodiment of FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 12 for convenience of explanation.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14 , the first andsecond sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the second connectionelectrodes BE2 may be integrally formed. The first and secondsub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the second connectionelectrodes BE2 may be disposed on the first touch insulating film TINS1(e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction), and the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE may be disposed on the second touch insulating film TINS2(e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). That is, the first andsecond sub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the second connectionelectrodes BE2 may be disposed in the same layer as, and include thesame material as, the first connection electrodes BE1. Also, thesub-sensing electrodes SRE may be disposed in the same layer as, andinclude the same material as, the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE.

The second connection electrodes BE2 may overlap with the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE (e.g., in the Z direction). The first and secondsub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the connection electrodes BE2may be disposed in a different layer from the sub-sensing electrodesSRE. As a result, the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 andSTE2 may be electrically isolated from the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.Thus, mutual capacitances may be formed between the first and secondsub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

FIG. 15 is a layout view of the area A of FIG. 5 .

The embodiment of FIG. 15 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 8 in thatthe auxiliary electrodes TAE are spaced apart from the drivingelectrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, the first and secondsub-driving electrodes STET and STE2, and the sub-sensing electrodesSRE. The embodiment of FIG. 15 will hereinafter be described, focusingmainly on the differences with the embodiment of FIG. 8 for convenienceof explanation.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 15 , the first auxiliary electrodeTAE1 may be disposed in an upper left portion of the first sub-displayarea SDA1, and the second auxiliary electrode TAE2 may be disposed in alower left portion of the first sub-display area SDA1. The thirdauxiliary electrode TAE3 may be disposed in a lower right portion of thefirst sub-display area SDA1, and the fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 maybe disposed in an upper right portion of the first sub-display areaSDA1.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 and the sub-sensing electrodes SREmay be disposed on the inside of the first auxiliary electrode TAE1. Thedriving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be disposed onthe outside of the first auxiliary electrode TAE1. The first auxiliaryelectrode TAE1 may be spaced apart from the driving electrodes TE, thesensing electrodes RE, the first sub-driving electrode STE1, and thesub-sensing electrodes SRE. That is, the first auxiliary electrode TAE1may not be connected to (e.g., may not contact) the driving electrodesTE, the sensing electrodes RE, the first sub-driving electrode STE1, andthe sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

Likewise, the second sub-driving electrode STE2 and the sub-sensingelectrodes SRE may be disposed on the inside of the second auxiliaryelectrode TAE2. The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes REmay be disposed on the outside of the second auxiliary electrode TAE2.The second auxiliary electrode TAE2 may be spaced apart from the drivingelectrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, the second sub-drivingelectrode STE2, and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE. That is, the secondauxiliary electrode TAE2 may not be connected to (e.g., may not contact)the driving electrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, the secondsub-driving electrode STE2, and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

The second sub-driving electrode STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SREmay be disposed on the inside of the third auxiliary electrode TAE3. Thedriving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be disposed onthe outside of the third auxiliary electrode TAE3. The third auxiliaryelectrode TAE3 may be spaced apart from the driving electrodes TE, thesensing electrodes RE, the second sub-driving electrode STE2, and thesub-sensing electrodes SRE. That is, the third auxiliary electrode TAE3may not be connected to (e.g., may not contact) the driving electrodesTE, the sensing electrodes RE, the second sub-driving electrode STE2,and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

The first sub-driving electrode STE1 and the sub-sensing electrodes SREmay be disposed on the inside of the fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4.The driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE may be disposedon the outside of the fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4. The fourthauxiliary electrode TAE4 may be spaced apart from the driving electrodesTE, the sensing electrodes RE, the first sub-driving electrode STE1, andthe sub-sensing electrodes SRE. That is, the fourth auxiliary electrodeTAE4 may not be connected to (e.g., may not contact) the drivingelectrodes TE, the sensing electrodes RE, the first sub-drivingelectrode STE1, and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 16 , a driving electrode TE disposedon the upper side of the first sub-display area SDA1 may be directlyconnected to the first sub-driving electrode STE1 through a gap formedbetween the first and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4. Adriving electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1 may be directly connected to the second sub-driving electrodeSTE2 through a gap formed between the second and third auxiliaryelectrodes TAE2 and TAE3. A sensing electrode RE disposed on the leftside of the first sub-display area SDA1 may be directly connected to thesub-sensing electrodes SRE through a gap formed between the first andsecond auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE2. A sensing electrode REdisposed on the right side of the first sub-display area SDA1 may bedirectly connected to the sub-sensing electrodes SRE through a gapformed between the third and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE3 and TAE4.Thus, mutual capacitances may be formed between the first and secondsub-driving electrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes RE,in the first sub-display area SDA1.

The first auxiliary electrode TAE1 may be connected to a first auxiliaryline TAL1 between the driving electrode TE disposed on the upper side ofthe first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction) and thesensing electrode RE disposed on the left side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction). Accordingly, the first auxiliaryelectrode TAE1 may be driven in a self-capacitance manner that applies atouch driving signal via the first auxiliary line TAL1 and detects acharge variation in the self-capacitance formed by the first auxiliaryelectrode TAE1.

The second auxiliary electrode TAE2 may be connected to a secondauxiliary line TAL2 between the driving electrode TE disposed on thelower side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction)and the sensing electrode RE disposed on the left side of the firstsub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction). Accordingly, thesecond auxiliary electrode TAE2 may be driven in a self-capacitancemanner that applies a touch driving signal via the second auxiliary lineTAL2 and detects a charge variation in the self-capacitance formed bythe second auxiliary electrode TAE2.

The third auxiliary electrode TAE3 may be connected to a third auxiliaryline TAL3 between the driving electrode TE disposed on the lower side ofthe first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction) and thesensing electrode RE disposed on the right side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction). Accordingly, the third auxiliaryelectrode TAE3 may be driven in a self-capacitance manner that applies atouch driving signal via the third auxiliary line TAL3 and detects acharge variation in the self-capacitance formed by the third auxiliaryelectrode TAE3.

The fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 may be connected to a fourthauxiliary line TAL4 between the driving electrode TE disposed on theupper side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Y direction)and the sensing electrode RE disposed on the right side of the firstsub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the X direction). Accordingly, thefourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 may be driven in a self-capacitancemanner that applies a touch driving signal via the fourth auxiliary lineTAL4 and detects a charge variation in the self-capacitance formed bythe fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 15 , the first, second, third,and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4 may serve asseparate touch electrodes from the driving electrodes TE, the sensingelectrodes RE, the first and second sub-driving electrodes STE1 andSTE2, and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE. Thus, touch input can bedetected in the first sub-display area SDA1 not only through the mutualcapacitances formed between the first and second sub-driving electrodesSTE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE, in the firstsub-display area SDA1, but also through the self-capacitances formedbetween the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1,TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4. Accordingly, the touch sensitivity in the firstsub-display area SDA1 can be increased.

The second, third, and fourth sub-display areas SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 may be substantially the same as the first sub-displayarea SDA1 of FIG. 15 , and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted for convenience of explanation.

FIG. 16 is a layout view of an area A-3 of FIG. 15 . FIG. 17 is across-sectional view taken along line F-F′ of FIG. 16 . FIG. 18 is across-sectional view taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 16 . FIG. 19 is across-sectional view taken along line G-G′ of FIG. 16 .

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 16 through 19 , the first andfourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 may be disposed between thefirst sub-driving electrodes STE1 and the driving electrodes TE. Thefirst and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 may not be connectedto the first sub-driving electrodes STE1 and the driving electrodes TE.The first and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 may be spacedapart from each other.

As the first and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 are spacedapart from each other, a gap may be formed between the first and fourthauxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4. Thus, the driving electrodes TE maybe disposed between the first and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 andTAE4. Accordingly, the driving electrodes TE may extend between thefirst and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 (e.g., in the Ydirection) to be directly connected to the first sub-driving electrodeSTE1.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 17 , the first sub-drivingelectrode STE1 may be disposed on the second touch insulating film TINS2(e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Also, the secondsub-driving electrode STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE may bedisposed on the second touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g., directlythereon in the Z direction). That is, the first and second sub-drivingelectrodes STE1 and STE2 and the sub-sensing electrodes SRE may bedisposed in the same layer as, and include the same material as, thedriving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 18 , the first and fourthauxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 may be disposed on the second touchinsulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Also,the second and third auxiliary electrodes TAE2 and TAE3 may be disposedon the second touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in theZ direction). That is, the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliaryelectrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4 may be disposed in the same layeras, and include the same material as, the driving electrodes TE and thesensing electrodes RE.

However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. For example, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 19 , thefirst and fourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 may be disposed onthe second touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection). Also, the second and third auxiliary electrodes TAE2 andTAE3 may be disposed on the second touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g.,directly thereon in the Z direction). The driving electrodes TE may bedisposed on the first touch insulating film TINS1 (e.g., directlythereon in the Z direction). The sensing electrodes RE may also bedisposed on the first touch insulating film TINS1 (e.g., directlythereon in the Z direction). That is, the first, second, third, andfourth auxiliary electrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4 may be disposedin the same layer as, and include the same material as, the firstconnection electrodes BE1 and the second connection electrodes BE2.

FIG. 20 is a layout view of an area A-4 of FIG. 15 . FIG. 21 is across-sectional view taken along line H-H′ of FIG. 17 . FIG. 22 is across-sectional view taken along line H-H′ of FIG. 17 .

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 20 through 22 , the firstauxiliary line TAL1, which is connected to the first auxiliary electrodeTAE1, may be disposed between the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE. The first auxiliary line TAL1 may be spaced apart fromthe driving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE. The firstauxiliary line TAL1 may be electrically isolated from the drivingelectrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 21 , the first auxiliaryelectrode TAE1 and the first auxiliary line TAL1 may be disposed on thesecond touch insulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Zdirection). Also, the second auxiliary electrode TAE2, the secondauxiliary line TAL2, the third auxiliary electrode TAE3, the thirdauxiliary line TAL3, the fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4, and the fourthauxiliary line TAL4 may be disposed on the second touch insulating filmTINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). That is, the firstauxiliary electrode TAE1, the first auxiliary line TAL1, the secondauxiliary electrode TAE2, the second auxiliary line TAL2, the thirdauxiliary electrode TAE3, the third auxiliary line TAL3, the fourthauxiliary electrode TAE4, and the fourth auxiliary line TAL4 may bedisposed in the same layer as, and include the same material as, thedriving electrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE.

However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22 , the first and fourthauxiliary electrodes TAE1 and TAE4 may be disposed on the first touchinsulating film TINS1 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Also,the second and third auxiliary electrodes TAE2 and TAE3 may be disposedon the first touch insulating film TINS1 (e.g., directly thereon in theZ direction). That is, the first, second, third, and fourth auxiliaryelectrodes TAE1, TAE2, TAE3, and TAE4 may be disposed in the same layeras, and include the same material as, the first connection electrodesBE1 and the second connection electrodes BE2.

FIG. 23 is a layout view of the area A of FIG. 5 .

The embodiment of FIG. 23 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 15 in thatauxiliary touch electrodes ASE are disposed on the outside of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The embodiment of FIG. 23 will hereinafter bedescribed, focusing mainly on the differences with the embodiment ofFIG. 15 for convenience of explanation.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 23 , the auxiliary touch electrodesASE may include first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, andeighth auxiliary touch electrodes ASE1, ASE2, ASE3, ASE4, ASE5, ASE6,ASE7, and ASE8.

The first auxiliary touch electrode ASE1 may be disposed between thefirst auxiliary electrode TAE1 and the driving electrode TE disposed onthe upper side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Ydirection). The first auxiliary touch electrode ASE1 may be spaced apartfrom (e.g., is not connected to) the first auxiliary electrode TAE1 andthe driving electrode TE disposed on the upper side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The first auxiliary touch electrode ASE1 may beelectrically isolated from the first auxiliary electrode TAE1 and thedriving electrode TE disposed on the upper side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1.

The second auxiliary touch electrode ASE2 may be disposed between thefourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 and the driving electrode TE disposed onthe upper side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Ydirection). The second auxiliary touch electrode ASE2 may be spacedapart from (e.g., is not connected to) the fourth auxiliary electrodeTAE4 and the driving electrode TE disposed on the upper side of thefirst sub-display area SDA1. The second auxiliary touch electrode ASE2may be electrically isolated from the fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4and the driving electrode TE disposed on the upper side of the firstsub-display area SDA1.

The third auxiliary touch electrode ASE3 may be disposed between thefirst auxiliary electrode TAE1 and the sensing electrode RE disposed onthe left side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Xdirection). The third auxiliary touch electrode ASE3 may be spaced apartfrom (e.g., is not connected to) the first auxiliary electrode TAE1 andthe sensing electrode RE disposed on the left side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The third auxiliary touch electrode ASE3 may beelectrically isolated from the first auxiliary electrode TAE1 and thesensing electrode RE disposed on the left side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1.

The fourth auxiliary touch electrode ASE4 may be disposed between thesecond auxiliary electrode TAE2 and the sensing electrode RE disposed onthe left side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Xdirection). The fourth auxiliary touch electrode ASE4 may be spacedapart from (e.g., is not connected to) the second auxiliary electrodeTAE2 and the sensing electrode RE disposed on the left side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The fourth auxiliary touch electrode ASE4 may beelectrically isolated from the second auxiliary electrode TAE2 and thesensing electrode RE disposed on the left side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1.

The fifth auxiliary touch electrode ASE5 may be disposed between thesecond auxiliary electrode TAE2 and the driving electrode TE disposed onthe lower side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Ydirection). The fifth auxiliary touch electrode ASE5 may be spaced apartfrom (e.g., is not connected to) the second auxiliary electrode TAE2 andthe driving electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The fifth auxiliary touch electrode ASE5 may beelectrically isolated from the second auxiliary electrode TAE2 and thedriving electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1.

The sixth auxiliary touch electrode ASE6 may be disposed between thethird auxiliary electrode TAE3 and the driving electrode TE disposed onthe lower side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Ydirection). The sixth auxiliary touch electrode ASE6 may be spaced apartfrom (e.g., is not connected to) the third auxiliary electrode TAE3 andthe driving electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the firstsub-display area SDA1. The sixth auxiliary touch electrode ASE6 may beelectrically isolated from the third auxiliary electrode TAE3 and thedriving electrode TE disposed on the lower side of the first sub-displayarea SDA1.

The seventh auxiliary touch electrode ASE7 may be disposed between thethird auxiliary electrode TAE3 and the sensing electrode RE disposed onthe right side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Xdirection). The seventh auxiliary touch electrode ASE7 may be spacedapart from (e.g., is not connected to) the third auxiliary electrodeTAE3 and the sensing electrode RE disposed on the right side of thefirst sub-display area SDA1. The seventh auxiliary touch electrode ASE7may be electrically isolated from the third auxiliary electrode TAE3 andthe sensing electrode RE disposed on the right side of the firstsub-display area SDA1.

The eighth auxiliary touch electrode ASE8 may be disposed between thefourth auxiliary electrode TAE4 and the sensing electrode RE disposed onthe right side of the first sub-display area SDA1 (e.g., in the Xdirection). The eighth auxiliary touch electrode ASE8 may be spacedapart from (e.g., is not connected to) the fourth auxiliary electrodeTAE4 and the sensing electrode RE disposed on the right side of thefirst sub-display area SDA1. The eighth auxiliary touch electrode ASE8may be electrically isolated from the fourth auxiliary electrode TAE4and the sensing electrode RE disposed on the right side of the firstsub-display area SDA1.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 23 , the first, second, third,fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth auxiliary touch electrodesAES1, AES2, AES3, AES4, AES5, AES6, AES7, and AES8 can detect touchinput through capacitances formed by auxiliary driving electrodes ATEand auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE that will be described later withreference to the embodiments of FIGS. 24 through 27 . Accordingly, thetouch sensitivity in the first sub-display area SDA1 can be increased.

The second, third, and fourth sub-display areas SDA2, SDA3, and SDA4 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 may be substantially the same as the first sub-displayarea SDA1 of FIG. 23 , and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted for convenience of description.

FIG. 24 is a layout view of an area A-5 of FIG. 23 . FIG. 25 is across-sectional view taken along line I-I′ of FIG. 24 .

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 24 and 25 , the first auxiliarytouch electrode ASE1 may include auxiliary driving electrodes ATE andauxiliary sensing electrodes ARE. The auxiliary driving electrodes ATEmay completely overlap with the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE (e.g.,in the Z direction). As a result, mutual capacitances may be formedbetween the auxiliary driving electrodes ATE and the auxiliary sensingelectrodes ARE.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary driving electrodes ATE and the auxiliarysensing electrodes ARE may have a mesh or fishnet structure in a planview (e.g., in a plane defined in the X and Y directions). Thus, theauxiliary driving electrodes ATE and the auxiliary sensing electrodesARE may not overlap with the emission units (EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4) ofeach of the first pixels PX1. Accordingly, the brightness of lightemitted from the emission units (EA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14) can beprevented from decreasing due to being blocked by the auxiliary drivingelectrodes ATE and the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 25 , the auxiliary drivingelectrodes ATE may be disposed on the first touch insulating film TINS1(e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). That is, the auxiliarydriving electrodes ATE may be disposed in the same layer as, and includethe same material as, the first connection electrodes BE1 and the secondconnection electrodes BE2.

The auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE may be disposed on the second touchinsulating film 2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). That is,the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE may be disposed in the same layeras, and include the same material as, the driving electrodes TE and thesensing electrodes RE.

FIG. 26 is a layout view of the area A-5 of FIG. 20 . FIG. 27 is across-sectional view taken along line J-J′ of FIG. 26 .

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 26 and 27 , the first auxiliarytouch electrode ASE1 may include auxiliary driving electrodes ATE andauxiliary sensing electrodes ARE. The auxiliary driving electrodes ATEmay extend in the fifth direction DR5. The auxiliary sensing electrodesARE may extend in the fourth direction DR4 and may be arranged in thefifth direction DR5. As a result, the auxiliary driving electrodes ATEmay intersect the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE. Thus, mutualcapacitances may be formed at the intersections between the auxiliarydriving electrodes ATE and the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE.

As illustrated in FIG. 26 , in an embodiment in which the auxiliarydriving electrodes ATE intersect the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE,touch sensitivity can be increased so that a proximity touch such as ahover can be detected. If the auxiliary driving electrodes ATE and theauxiliary sensing electrodes ARE are formed to be wider than the drivingelectrodes TE and the sensing electrodes RE, touch sensitivity can befurther increased. Also, if the auxiliary driving electrodes ATE and theauxiliary sensing electrodes ARE are formed to be thicker (e.g., lengthin the Z direction) than the driving electrodes TE and the sensingelectrodes RE, touch sensitivity can be further increased. Also, if thethickness of an insulating film between the auxiliary driving electrodesATE and the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE is reduced, touchsensitivity can be further increased.

In an embodiment, the auxiliary driving electrodes ATE and the auxiliarysensing electrodes ARE may have a mesh or fishnet structure in a planview (e.g., in a plane defined in the X and Y directions). Thus, theauxiliary driving electrodes ATE and the auxiliary sensing electrodesARE may not overlap with the emission units (EA1, EA2, EA3, and EA4) ofeach of the first pixels PX1 (e.g., in the Z direction). Accordingly,the brightness of light emitted from the emission units (EA11, EA12,EA13, and EA14) can be prevented from decreasing due to being blocked bythe auxiliary driving electrodes ATE and the auxiliary sensingelectrodes ARE.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 27 , the auxiliary drivingelectrodes ATE may be disposed on the first touch insulating film TINS1(e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). That is, the auxiliarydriving electrodes ATE may be disposed in the same layer as, and includethe same material as, the first connection electrodes BE1 and the secondconnection electrodes BE2.

The auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE may be disposed on the second touchinsulating film TINS2 (e.g., directly thereon in the Z direction). Thatis, the auxiliary sensing electrodes ARE may be disposed in the samelayer as, and include the same material as, the driving electrodes TEand the sensing electrodes RE.

FIG. 28 is a layout view of the area A of FIG. 5 .

Referring to FIG. 28 , the first sub-display area SDA1 may be surrounded(e.g., in the X and Y directions) by one driving electrode TE. In thisembodiment, the first sub-display area SDA1 may include one auxiliaryelectrode TAE and one sub-driving electrode STE. As shown in theembodiment of FIG. 28 , the auxiliary electrode TAE may be disposedalong the edge of the first sub-display area SDA1. The auxiliaryelectrode TAE may be disposed to surround the sub-driving electrode STE.The driving electrode TE, the auxiliary electrode TAE, and thesub-driving electrode STE may be electrically connected.

FIG. 28 illustrates that the first sub-display area SDA1 is surroundedby one driving electrode TE. However, embodiments of the presentinventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, in anembodiment the first sub-display area SDA1 may be surrounded by onesensing electrode RE. In this embodiment, the sensing electrode RE, theauxiliary electrode TAE, and the sub-driving electrode STE may beelectrically connected.

FIG. 29 is a layout view illustrating first and second sub-display areasof FIG. 3 . FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line K-K′ ofFIG. 29 .

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 29 and 30 , the first pixels PX1may be disposed in the main display area MDA. As illustrated in theembodiment of FIG. 6 , each of the first pixels PX1 may include first,second, third, and fourth emission units EA11, EA12, EA13, and EA14. Thefirst pixels PX1 have already been described above with reference toFIG. 6 , and thus, a detailed description thereof will be omitted forconvenience of explanation.

Each of the second pixels PX2 may include a pixel emission unit PEA, apixel driving unit TR, and a pixel connecting unit PC.

Pixel emission units PEA may be disposed in the first and secondsub-display areas SDA1 and SDA2. The pixel emission units PEA mayinclude first emission units EA21, second emission units EA22, thirdemission units EA23, and fourth emission units EA24, as illustrated inthe embodiment of FIG. 9 . The first emission units EA21, the secondemission units EA22, the third emission units EA23, and the fourthemission units EA24 are substantially the same as their respectivecounterparts of FIG. 9 , and thus, detailed descriptions thereof will beomitted for convenience of explanation.

The pixel emission units PEA may include a material capable oftransmitting light therethrough. In one example, referring to theembodiment of FIG. 30 , each of the pixel emission units PEA may includea pixel electrode 171, a light-emitting layer 172, and a commonelectrode 173. In an embodiment, the pixel electrode 171 and the commonelectrode 173 of each of the pixel emission units PEA may be formed of aTCO capable of transmitting light therethrough, such as ITO or IZO.However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limitedthereto. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 30 , each of the pixelemission units PEA may include at least a portion of the substrate SUB,the barrier film BR, the gate insulating film 130, the first interlayerinsulating film 141, the second interlayer insulating film 142, thefirst planarization film 160, the second planarization film 180, thepixel electrode 171, the light-emitting layer 172, the common electrode173, the first encapsulation inorganic film u, TFE1, the encapsulationorganic film TFE2, the second encapsulation inorganic film TFE3, thefirst touch insulating film TINS1, the second touch insulating filmTINS2, and the third touch insulating film TINS3. Thus, light incidentupon the pixel emission units PEA may pass through the pixel emissionunits PEA. As the light-transmitting areas TA and the pixel emissionunits PEA can transmit light therethrough in each of the first andsecond sub-display areas SDA1 and SDA2, the amount of light incidentupon optical devices such as the proximity sensor 740 and theillumination sensor 750 can be increased.

Pixel driving units TR may be disposed in the main display area MDA.Each of the pixel driving units TR may include a plurality of thin-filmtransistors ST1.

Pixel connecting units PC may connect the pixel driving units TR and thepixel emission units PEA. The pixel connecting units PC may extend fromthe pixel electrodes 171, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 30 .That is, the pixel connecting units PC may be disposed in the same layeras, and include the same material as, the pixel electrodes 171. Thepixel connecting units PC may be disposed on the second planarizationfilm 180. The pixel connecting units PC may be connected to the secondanode connection electrodes ANDE2 through the third connecting contactholes ANCT3.

Auxiliary electrodes TAE′ may overlap with the pixel driving units TR(e.g., in the Z direction). In an embodiment, the auxiliary electrodesTAE′ may be driven in a self-capacitance manner that detects chargevariations in self-capacitances formed by the auxiliary electrodes TAE′.As the pixel driving units TR are areas that do not emit light, theauxiliary electrodes TAE′ may be formed to overlap with the entire pixeldriving units TR. As touch input can be detected throughself-capacitances formed by the auxiliary electrodes TAE′, which aredisposed around the first and second sub-display areas SDA1 and SDA2,the touch sensitivity around the first and second sub-display areas SDA1and SDA2 can be increased.

FIG. 31 is a layout view illustrating the first and second sub-displayareas of FIG. 3 . FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along lineL-L′ of FIG. 31 .

The embodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32 differs from the embodiment of FIGS.29 and 30 in that the auxiliary electrodes TAE′ are formed in a meshshape to prevent color filters (CF1 and CF2), which are provided insteadof the polarizing film POL, from becoming visible due to the reflectionof external light. Thus, a description of other features of theembodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32 will be omitted for convenience ofexplanation.

In a display device according to embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts, as auxiliary electrodes, which are connected to sub-drivingelectrodes and sub-sensing electrodes, are disposed in extra space onthe edge of a sub-display area, mutual capacitances formed between thesub-driving electrodes and the sub-sensing electrodes can bestrengthened. Thus, the touch sensitivity in the sub-display area can beincreased.

In a display device according to embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts, the auxiliary electrodes can serve as separate touchelectrodes from driving electrodes, sensing electrodes, the sub-drivingelectrodes, and the sub-sensing electrodes. Thus, touch input can bedetected not only through the mutual capacitances formed between thesub-driving electrodes and the sub-sensing electrodes, but also throughself-capacitances formed by the auxiliary electrodes. Accordingly, thetouch sensitivity in the sub-display area can be increased.

In a display device according to embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts, auxiliary touch electrodes can be disposed around thesub-display area and can detect touch input through the capacitancesformed between the sub-driving electrodes and the sub-sensingelectrodes. Thus, the touch sensitivity around the sub-display area canbe increased.

However, the effects of embodiments of the present inventive conceptsare not restricted to those set forth herein.

While the present inventive concepts have been particularly shown anddescribed with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form anddetail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present inventive concepts as defined by the following claims.The embodiments of the present inventive concepts described hereinshould be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a plurality ofdriving electrodes; a plurality of sensing electrodes; a first auxiliaryelectrode connected to a first driving electrode among the plurality ofdriving electrodes; and a first sub-driving electrode connected to thefirst auxiliary electrode, and wherein a shape of the first drivingelectrode, a shape of the first sub-driving electrode, and a shape ofthe first auxiliary electrode are different from each other in planview.
 2. The display device of claim 1, wherein a maximum width of thefirst auxiliary electrode is greater than a maximum width of the firstdriving electrode and a maximum width of the first sub-drivingelectrode.
 3. The display device of claim 1, further comprising: asecond auxiliary electrode connected to a second driving electrode amongthe plurality of driving electrodes; a second sub-driving electrodeconnected to the second auxiliary electrode; and a connection electrodebetween the first sub-driving electrode and the second sub-drivingelectrode.
 4. The display device of claim 3, further comprising: a thirdauxiliary electrode connected to a first sensing electrode among theplurality of sensing electrodes; and a sub-sensing electrode connectedto the third auxiliary electrode, and wherein the sub-sensing electrodeoverlaps the connection electrode.
 5. The display device of claim 4,further comprising: a fourth auxiliary electrode connected to a secondsensing electrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes, and whereinthe sub-sensing electrode is connected to the fourth auxiliaryelectrode.
 6. A display device comprising: A plurality of drivingelectrodes; a plurality of sensing electrodes; a first sub-drivingelectrode connected to a first driving electrode among the plurality ofdriving electrodes; and a first auxiliary electrode electricallyisolated from the first driving electrode and the first sub-drivingelectrode, and wherein a first portion of the first auxiliary electrodeis between a first portion of the first driving electrode and a firstportion of the first sub-driving electrode.
 7. The display device ofclaim 6, further comprising: a second sub-driving electrode connected toa second driving electrode among the plurality of driving electrodes;and a second auxiliary electrode electrically isolated from the seconddriving electrode and the second sub-driving electrode, and wherein afirst portion of the second auxiliary electrode is between a firstportion of the second driving electrode and a first portion of thesecond sub-driving electrode.
 8. The display device of claim 7, furthercomprising: a third auxiliary electrode electrically isolated from thesecond driving electrode and the second sub-driving electrode, andwherein a first portion of the third auxiliary electrode is between asecond portion of the second driving electrode and a second portion ofthe second sub-driving electrode.
 9. The display device of claim 8,further comprising: a sub-sensing electrode connected to a first sensingelectrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes, and wherein asecond portion of the first auxiliary electrode and a second portion ofthe second auxiliary electrode are between the first sensing electrodeand a first portion of the sub-sensing electrode.
 10. The display deviceof claim 9, further comprising: a fourth auxiliary electrodeelectrically isolated from the first driving electrode and the firstsub-driving electrode, and wherein a first portion of the fourthauxiliary electrode is between a second portion of the first drivingelectrode and a second portion of the first sub-driving electrode, andwherein a second portion of the fourth auxiliary electrode and thesecond portion of the third auxiliary electrode are between a secondsensing electrode among the plurality of sensing electrodes and a secondportion of the sub-sensing electrode.
 11. The display device of claim 9,further comprising: a first auxiliary line connected to the firstauxiliary electrode, the first auxiliary line between the first drivingelectrode and the second driving electrode.
 12. The display device ofclaim 6, wherein a maximum width of the first auxiliary electrode isgreater than a maximum width of the first driving electrode and amaximum width of the first sub-driving electrode.
 13. The display deviceof claim 6, wherein a shape of the first driving electrode, a shape ofthe first sub-driving electrode, and a shape of the first auxiliaryelectrode are different from each other in plan view.
 14. A displaydevice comprising: a first display area including a first pixel and apixel driving part of a second pixel, the pixel driving part including aplurality of transistors; a second display area including alight-transmitting area and a pixel emission part of the second pixel,the pixel emission part emitting light; a pixel connecting partconnecting the pixel emission part and the pixel driving part; and anauxiliary electrode overlapping at least one of the plurality oftransistors of the pixel driving part (TR) in the first display area.15. The display device of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary electrodeoverlaps an entire of the plurality of transistors of the pixel drivingpart.
 16. The display device of claim 14, wherein the auxiliaryelectrode has a mesh shape.
 17. The display device of claim 14, whereinthe auxiliary electrode serves as a self-capacitance electrode for atouch detection.
 18. The display device of claim 14, further comprising:an optical sensor overlapping the pixel emission part in the seconddisplay area.
 19. The display device of claim 18, wherein the opticalsensor does not overlap the plurality of transistors of the pixeldriving part.
 20. The display device of claim 18, wherein the opticalsensor does not overlap the auxiliary electrode.